As a stay-at-home mom with an adolescent son, Jill Nelson started Ruby Receptionists because she needed to do something with the rest of her life. Jason Bolt of Revant Optics lost a lens in his expensive prescription sunglasses while mountain biking and was disgruntled that he had to replace the whole pair. Luke Kanies of Puppet Labs, a self-described “horrible employee,” couldn’t keep a job.

The 12 finalists for this year’s OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards share the same drive but have all traveled unique paths. Here, they share their stories of inspiration and challenge, along with their number-one pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Growth Stage Company Finalists

“Practice understanding where you need to be right.”
– Luke Kanies, Puppet Labs

“Know thyself. Take a deep look into who you are and where you are in life. Make sure you have the financial and familial support to go forth with your venture.”
– Sam Blackman, Elemental Technologies

“The conventional wisdom today is that your first key milestone is when you raise capital. I don’t think of it that way. I think the first key milestone is when you develop a customer.”
– Dave Sanders, ZoomCare